In this part of the film, Ace is in a state of bliss at a Buddhist temple surrounded by peaceful animals. He considers himself "one with nature" and feels as though he is far along on his path to enlightenment. The movie makes this task seem quite easy, as though true enlightenment could be reached within a matter of days. This stereotype is fitting with Brad Warner's explanation of enlightenment fallacies. He says that "general trends in Western Buddhism are pretty dire. One of the worst is the idea that there are ways to speed a person to enlightenment." The process can take years if reached at all and there are no short-cuts.
Once Ace has attained this enlightened state, he then proceeds to go elsewhere and continue his previous habits. He fails to follow all the precepts and does not appear to be anything like a zen master. Again, this is something that Brad talks about in the book. He states that "Enlightenment is not a cool experience that you have, which you then file away with all your other cool experiences." It changes your life and is not just something you brag about at parties. If it is indeed reached then the enlightened will have no need for bragging or anything of the like.
I agree with you - it seems that in the West, many people believe that there is a quick path to Enlightenment. Warner basically has an entire chapter where he examines this stereotype that many Westerners have. While that Ace Ventura movie is undoubtedly hilarious, it unfortunately reinforces this stereotype.
ReplyDeleteI liked how you picked up on the very popular stereotype that enlightenment in Buddhism is easy. This was something that I found in my search for stereotypes, the western world likes to not think of things as taking a long process, perhaps because of our want for instant gratification?
ReplyDeletei like the video example you chose. it does really depict the stereotype of quick enlightenment. Its true that in Buddhism there is a long process, and it needs focus and concentration. its true that Americans find the quick way to enlightenment, but forgets to empty their mind of all attachment and emotions before proceeding.
ReplyDeleteI think western conceptions of enlightenment are skewed. We think of it as some sort of blissful state where problems disappear and one can just go on in life all enlightened and spiritual. In Buddhism it seems like enlightenment is a struggle, just like everything else in life. I don't even know if enlightenment is necessarily a happy experience. And once one reaches enlightenment, I think it's a lifelong journey to keep that mindset. Do you think one could lose sight of the enlightenment as easily as reaching enlightenment?
ReplyDeleteI really like the example you used. I would have never thought of that movie, great work finding that image. From what we have learned so far about Buddhism we know that it does take extreme concentration and dedication to achieve enlightenment and is not achieved over night. In your example Ace Ventura goes back to his old ways and habits after enlightenment. This is completely opposite of Buddhist teaching. In Buddhism you give up a lot to adopt Buddhist dhamma. One would continue to teach others the way of Buddhist living after they have reached enlightenment which is obviously quit different from what was presented in your example
ReplyDeleteYou are completely right. Enlightenment can take lifetimes to obtain, but in a western culture it seems to be some sort of tangible goal to set a date to;it becomes going through a set of motions as opposed to truly living it spiritually. You made a good point about the "bragging" aspect to. It's a spiritual journey, not a race.
ReplyDeleteEnlightenment takes a long time to accomplish and it is very sad and annoying that people take it so lightly and deceive people about the whole process. If I was dumb and believe everything on television then I would be sitting at home thinking “hmmm, I am going to reach my enlightenment around noon tomorrow.” That how media displays it in television movies, etc. I am glad you chose this movie as well because it was a great example of a negative stereotype or belief about being Buddhist and reaching enlightenment.
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